Novartis and the Government of Catalonia have addressed the role of this autonomous community in research, health innovation, and talent attraction. According to Novartis, announced on Tuesday, this reaffirms its commitment to Catalonia “as one of the leading hubs of scientific and health innovation in Europe.” With more than a century of presence in the country, the company focused the meeting on three pillars: Catalonia’s and Spain’s contribution to its global innovation ecosystem, the attraction and development of specialized talent, and collaboration to accelerate patients’ access to innovative medicines.
Thus conveyed by the President of Novartis Europe, Iris Zemzoum; the President of Novartis Spain, Amaya Echevarría; and the Director of Public Affairs, Natividad Calvente, to the President of the Generalitat, Salvador Illa, and to the Health Minister, Olga Pané. “Catalonia has a strong scientific base, reference hospitals, and internationally recognized research centers. This life sciences ecosystem reinforces its position as one of Europe’s reference hubs in health innovation and its ability to attract research, investment, and specialized talent,” Novartis explained.
Thus, its contribution to this ecosystem goes beyond medicines: it includes investment in research, highly qualified employment, and collaboration with hospitals and scientific centers. The company remains committed to working with the Catalan ecosystem, bringing global capabilities and specialized knowledge. Catalonia is a key region for Novartis’ clinical research in Spain. The company invests around €90 million in R&D in the region and maintains 174 clinical trials in progress, in collaboration with more than 1,800 researchers and with the participation of more than 3,000 patients. This activity contributes to scientific excellence and offers opportunities to participate in cutting-edge research.
Novartis counts in Catalonia with more than 920 professionals and centers of excellence that bring together talent from 53 nationalities. The centers of excellence — such as Digital & Finance, Research & Development, Operations & Manufacturing, and Global Functions & Expertise, among others — develop scientific, technological, and operational capabilities that support the company’s global activity. From Barcelona, these teams work with technologies such as artificial intelligence and machine learning, connecting local talent with projects of global scope.
Novartis reinforces public-private collaboration so that investment and research translate into timely, equitable, and predictable access to innovative medicines. To this end, it is essential to continue working with the Catalan health ecosystem in areas such as clinical research, advanced therapies, and digital health, as well as address barriers that hinder the adoption of high-value innovations, preserving the sustainability of the health system.
